Delphinium vs Foxglove

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Delphinium

Delphinium elatum

Ranunculaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantHigh Maintenance

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Plantaginaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Delphinium (Zones 3-7)

Foxglove (Zones 4-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–7

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Delphinium	Foxglove
Scientific Name	Delphinium elatum	Digitalis purpurea
Family	Ranunculaceae	Plantaginaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	6'	5'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Late Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Blue, Purple, White, Pink	Purple, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia	Europe
Maintenance	High	Low

Special Traits

Delphinium

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Foxglove

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

Foxglove

✓Let self-seed for continuous display.
✓Plant in drifts for best effect.
✓Remove unwanted seedlings.
✓Wear gloves when handling.
✓Thrives in woodland edge conditions.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Delphinium if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

Choose Foxglove if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–7. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View DelphiniumProfile →View FoxgloveProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Delphinium and Foxglove grow in the same hardiness zone?

Delphinium grows in USDA zones 3-7, while Foxglove grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 7.

Do Delphinium and Foxglove have the same sun and water needs?

Delphinium needs full sun and medium water, while Foxglove needs part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Delphinium or Foxglove?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Foxglove at 5'. Delphinium spreads 2' while Foxglove spreads 1' 6".

Are Delphinium and Foxglove deer resistant?

Yes, both Delphinium and Foxglove are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Delphinium or Foxglove?

Delphinium has high maintenance while Foxglove has low maintenance. Foxglove may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Delphinium	Foxglove
Scientific Name	Delphinium elatum	Digitalis purpurea
Family	Ranunculaceae	Plantaginaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	6'	5'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Late Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Blue, Purple, White, Pink	Purple, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia	Europe
Maintenance	High	Low

Care Tips

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

Foxglove

✓Let self-seed for continuous display.
✓Plant in drifts for best effect.
✓Remove unwanted seedlings.
✓Wear gloves when handling.
✓Thrives in woodland edge conditions.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Delphinium if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

Choose Foxglove if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–7. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Delphinium and Foxglove grow in the same hardiness zone?

Delphinium grows in USDA zones 3-7, while Foxglove grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 7.

Do Delphinium and Foxglove have the same sun and water needs?

Delphinium needs full sun and medium water, while Foxglove needs part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Delphinium or Foxglove?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Foxglove at 5'. Delphinium spreads 2' while Foxglove spreads 1' 6".

Are Delphinium and Foxglove deer resistant?

Yes, both Delphinium and Foxglove are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Delphinium or Foxglove?

Delphinium has high maintenance while Foxglove has low maintenance. Foxglove may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.